Canadians dominate early passages to storm into 19-0 final lead

In only their second ever cup final, Canada were quickest out of the blocks in Singapore and had built a 12-0 lead before the Americans had even got their hands on the ball.

Matt Mullins was first to cross the tryline, breaking two tackles before just staying ahead of the covering defenders to put Canada ahead in the first minute of the game.

It was then one of the more experienced Canadians who touched down to extend the lead to 12. Following a small surge forward from captain John Moonlight, the ball was shipped to Harry Jones who raced clear from halfway. A mistake from the United States in their own 22 saw the ball break loose, and Canada extended their lead even further with Mike Fuailefau diving on the kick through.

That mistake seemed to kickstart the Americans into life, and they got themselves back into the game at the end of the opening half with Perry Baker racing clear for a try, before Stephen Tomasin followed him over the line in added time.

Hammond breaks through to create history for Canada

Having hit Australia for 40 in their semi-final, the United States were favourites coming into the final, and were soon back on level terms thanks to their main source of tries. Perry Baker, their resident speedster, was given the ball in space and raced clear to undo all of Canada's early work.

With the game heading into the final two minutes, Canada controlled possession and suddenly a flash of red broke through in the form of Lucas Hammond, and the 23-year-old went under the sticks untouched to put the Maple Leafs back in front.

Nathan Hirayama in action during the final (image source:Suhaimi Abdullah/Getty Images)

Nathan Hirayama's conversion extended the lead out to seven, and after their opponents couldn't regather his resulting restart it was Canada's to lose. A strong scrum saw the ball recycled onto their side, and Hirayama ran the ball into touch to spark scenes of joy.

Moonlight claimed the result was "an unbelievable feeling", adding that the team were "flying", after beating "three of the best teams," in what was a historic day for Canadian rugby.

England take bronze on day of shocks

In what had become a slightly top heavy season in the series, that was not the case in Singapore.

South Africa, who had been in all seven of the previous cup finals this season had to make do with sixth after losing 17-12 to New Zealand in the playoff for sixth, while England claimed bronze thanks to a 14-12 victory over Australia in the battle for bronze with Fiji finishing 7th.

The Blitzbokke actually extended their advantage in the overall standings to 25 points despite the sixth-placed finish, with Fiji now just two points ahead of England in the battle for second.